In a press conference earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne announced a change in quarantine rules for fully vaccinated people. 

As from 16th August, fully vaccinated people who come into contact with a positive person will need to quarantine for seven days rather than the current requirement of 14 days. Meanwhile, unvaccinated people will need to quarantine for the full 14 days.

Once the quarantine period of seven days has passed, a swab test will be required on the seventh day. In these cases, the Minister said, results will be given that same day, and if the result is negative, they will no longer be required to quarantine.

Two swabbing centres will be opened specifically for this reason – one in Malta, and another in Gozo.